Cape Girardeau County, located in the southeastern portion of the state on the Mississippi River, is one of the older counties in the state. The brief history of the area is given followed by a longer collection of biographical sketches of the early families. These sketches were submitted by the families themselves, therefore, they are more accurate than other sources.

Example

“Henry Heise, a prosperous farmer of Randol Township, Cape Girardeau County, was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, June 26, 1834. He is a son of John Henry and Luretta Heise, both natives of the Province of Hanover.” etc...etc...